singles
february
a new 10 track ep released on the melodic label. (melo16)
fear not though - no orb 40 minute tracks here, instead each track is a short minimal instrumental track using a sonic palette of found sounds processed via samplers yet still maintaining a thoroughly organic feel. lovely orchestration, delicate piano, strange wind instruments, kitchen sink type sounds which all meld together in a calming way - the press release points the listener in the direction of aphex twins quieter moments which i would have to agree with, what is nice though is that the ep has a flow and is consistent, mellow. but anything but muzak.
if you dig the otherworldly tracks on heroes and low by david bowie/brian eno then look no further as this is on a par with those early ambient highlights
file under - electronica you can take home to your parents.
lhb - no transmission
title track from this elusive bands debut album, but this is no simple track lifted off the lp, instead they have got my fave alt rapper justin warfield involved and ex-compulsion jacknife lee remixing it. so guess ether i like it ?
the track has a really funky bassline (very stone roses-esque) over the top of a lovely processed piano loop and basically provides a serious smile inducing track.
idlewild - a modern way of letting go
far more noisy than the previous single, this is a short blast of guitars and fury. excellent.
medicine8 - capitolrocka, rock music pays off
released on the quality regal imprint.
this is a continuation of the lo-fidelity allstars take on dance music. rock-n-roll attitude added to acid house for that full on effect. both these singles are excellent noisy brash little upstarts and should get the dancefloors in all cool places throbbing.
wether this qualifies as the newly branded hooligan house is dont know as i wasn't keen on the audiobullys last effort but these definitely will cure many aches and pains.
stabb - this jokes on me
girl fronted swedish rock. lead track has that foo fighters type of rock radio appeal. fast-n-furious simple chord structures, well honed melodies mean that this lot could easily get the hooded brigade pogo'ing in innocent rapture, the extra tracks aren't quite up to the same standard but 'this jokes on me' is a great opening start.
dog - jerusalem
new band on heavenly, with the band having many well known connections (read website for more details), the label seems to be taking its time with this lot. one track on the nme free cd last year, and now a 2 track promo whcih is available in the right type of shops.
as soon as i heard this, the reference point was too obvious. audioweb. modern heavy industrial dub with soulful vocals, i believe that adrian sheerwood is involved in some capacity.
while the sound is familiar i love it, the dub version of the lp's title track 'neverland' has neat little violin loop that takes it into new regions.
very interesting .. i for one will be watching the name.
harpies - deep/just like you
interesting clash of styles. slipknot meets the cocteau twins. while not a big follower of the new metal scene this at first didn't appeal, but opening of second track displays a side that the band have more depth than just hard and heavy guitars. the female vocals are strong and original and quite special.
2 track promo disc. wasn't too keen. the name didn't grab me, and the photo of the band induced memories of a second rate indie band from mid-90's, but no this is very impressive alt.rock. with the emphasis on rock. there is a distinct element of fuzzed up bass a la queens of the stoneage and subtle sonic experiments amidst the huge guitars.
the songs are very insistent and could really impress the hooded masses.
dirty vegas - simple things
i guess the guys are going to try and prove that they aren't a one song wonder. well this is nice. tis a proper song. guitars strum, downtempo mellow vibes (hello david gray). an excellent production which makes you go all dizzy and swoonsome. a simple pleasure.
ok go - get over it
never heard of this lot - but i'm sure there are going to be a lot of mtv viewers who will love this. nothing too original, chunky guitar chords, a chanted catchy rap/chorus .. invoking memories of sum41. i've got over it.